How to Watch Netflix on TVs

Last updated: May 14, 2015 - 2:27pm EDT

It’s easy to watch Netflix on your TV at home and there are plenty of ways to do it. While older TVs won’t have the capability to install the Netflix app, there are other ways to allow you to stream your favourite movies and shows on your TV.

Connecting Computer or Laptop Directly

One of the ways to watch Netflix on your TV is by connecting your computer or laptop directly to your TV. The most common way of doing this is with an HDMI cable – the lesser expensive ones are sold for about $39.99. It will enable you to project your laptop screen onto your TV.

Both ends will look the same:

One end will plug into your laptop or computer...

...and the other end will plug into the back of your TV. Look for the input on your TV where it says “HDMI”.

Once you connect both ends, you’ll need to use your TV remote (or button on your TV) to change what appears on your TV screen. Look for a button labeled Source or Input and select "HDMI" with the appropriate Input or Source number. In the image above, you’ll see two HDMI inputs labeled “1 (DVI)” and “2”. Either of these should work.

Alternatives Cables to HDMI

If your computer/laptop or TV does not have an HDMI port, you can always connect it with various different ports:

VGA Cable

This will project your computer screen only, but not connect the sound. You’ll notice this is the same cable that connects monitors to desktop computers.

Audio Cable (aka. auxiliary cable)

Use this cable to connect sound to your TV. Use in conjunction with your VGA cable or the other cables listed below.

S-Video Port

Similar to the VGA cable, this will share video only.

Composite Video Port

Similar to the VGA cable, this will share video only.

DVI Port

Similar to the VGA cable, this will share video only.

Devices to Stream Netflix on TV

There may already be something hooked up to your TV that has the Netflix app built in. Newer gaming consoles have the app – Xbox One/360, Playstation 3 or 4, and Nintendo’s Wii or Wii U.

Other devices that you might have that will stream Netflix to your TV include Apple TV, Roku, Boxee and a Smart TV.

Learn More about Connecting Netflix with your TV

To find out more about how to connect your device to your TV to stream Netflix, go to this Netflix Help Page and select Connect a Device under the About Your Device heading.

More Netflix Tutorials

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